Helpful resources for website copywriters
Need to learn about website copywriting in a hurry?
If you're an aspiring website copywriter, or you need to create content for your business website, here's a collection of the best advice, how-to's and resources available:
The best websites and e-newsletters for website copywriters:
Copyblogger
This is simply the best copywriting website around. If you're a total novice, start with Copywriting 101.
Online Copywriting 101: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
This comprehensive link list covers every conceivable facet of writing online.
ExcessVoice.com
Nick Usborne's e-newsletter focuses on copywriting and content writing, with an emphasis on the Web.
New Thinking
Gerry McGovern's weekly e-newsletter focuses on web content management, information architecture and writing for the Web.
HighRankings.com
Everything you need to know about search engine optimisation (SEO) copywriting.
Writing for the Web
Web usability guru Jakob Nielsen's excellent collection of articles plus recommended books.
This comprehensive web writing style guide was also co-authored by Nielsen.
Writing Effectively Online: How to Compose Hypertext
An oldie but a goodie!
What will you find on a website copywriter's bookshelf?
These are the best books on how to create profitable content for business websites that I have found. I recommend them to all website copywriters and editors:
If you only buy one book on creating a website, make it this one. It provides a simple blueprint for creating a website that makes sales and builds your brand.
Using excellent examples, Nick Usborne explains how to create compelling copy for websites, e-newsletters and email. A great idea generator.
If you read this you'll know more about about creating a successful website than 90% of website designers. It also has an excellent chapter on writing for the web.
This book launched my career as a website copywriter. It explains why writing for the web is different to writing for print, and how to do it well.